It’d be hard to keep myself from flirting with Nick in front of all our friends. Or touching him, or staring at him, or daydreaming about him. He ran his nose along my ear, making me shiver. “It won’t be that bad,” I promised. “Besides, if this is what you plan to do, we don’t want our friends around anyway.”
Nick gave up trying to seduce me. He opened his door, and I crawled across to the passenger seat. I’d find a way to make us work, because I wasn’t going to let anyone tell me I had to give him up.
Chapter 23
Mia’s idea worked brilliantly. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it first. I told Grandpa that I’d play the next two games, but I was still going to do the halftime performances. And since the two teams practiced at the same time, he could have me for the first hour, but the girls got me for the second. I also instituted a no tackle rule. I couldn’t dance if I was beaten to a bloody pulp.
He didn’t like it—at all. He told me that’s not how things worked, that it wasn’t fair to hold me to a different standard. He complained that I’d be missing important stuff, which was bull crap because they always spent half of practice on conditioning or drills that the QB didn’t really need to be a part of.
I reminded Grandpa that I wasn’t on the team anymore. I was doing him a favor, and he could take it or leave it. He finally gave in and called me an extortionist. Five minutes later, I overheard him telling my mom that I was following in Dad’s footsteps with my remarkable business acumen. I think it was meant to be a compliment.
“Nick, can you please wrangle your minions?” Stacie asked, more than a little miffed.
“Yes, ma’am.” I’d followed Mia to the drinking fountain and stood behind her just to be close. I tickled her side, because it was all I could do discreetly. It’d been brutal this week, keeping my distance. I could tell she was annoyed by it, too, and I hoped it’d wear her down sooner than later.
“Come on, boys, get a move on! We don’t have all night,” Stacie yelled.
Cheer practice was extended Wednesday and today so we could work on the pep rally routine. The only people hanging around now were Stacie, Mia, Sean, myself, and three other seniors from the football team. It was tradition for the guys to dress up like cheerleaders and dance around making fools of themselves. Administration let the crossdressing slide because it really got people worked up and excited.
“Sean, cut it out!” I barked. He and Jeremy were sipping from their water bottles, then trying to spray Will and Danny in the face. The four of them ran around the gym like a pack of wild hyenas. “Dude, I don’t know why Stacie agreed to go to Homecoming with you.”
“I still have my reservations.” Stacie rolled her eyes.
I glanced at Mia and she grinned. Stacie told us she’d only said yes so we could all go together. I think she secretly liked Sean’s antics, because she also admitted to Mia that she thought Sean was cute, for a deranged maniac. That’s girl language for I’m into him and too embarrassed to admit it. Rightfully so. Anyone would feel the same if they saw him now. Even if there wouldn’t be romance between them on Saturday, at least there’d be laughter. Probably at Sean’s expense.
“Sorry!” Sean yelled and turned to the group he’d been ringleader of up until two seconds ago. “Stop fooling around. You guys are making me look bad.” He took some ribbing, but the guys lined up anyway.
Mia hit play on the stereo and counted off. “One and two and…” She and Stacie did the steps in front of us so we could follow along. The song was slow, and the routine was simple. I already had it down solid. The other guys looked a little raggedy, but I guess that was half the point.
The girls had picked a disco song, “More Than A Woman” by the Bee Gees. But only four football players would be dressed like cheerleaders tomorrow. Stacie, Mia, and I thought it’d be funny to have me in my football uniform—you know, irony and all that. We didn’t tell the guys, though, for shock value.
Mia kept dancing, and Stacie turned back to watch us. “Wiggle those hips!” She clapped to the beat. “Okay, now locomotion…good, good. Danny, get your poms up higher.” He raised his arms. “Now shake them!” More clapping. “One, two, three, four. John Travolta, five, six, seven, eight. Nice, Sean, way to get into it. Everyone copy Sean. And hustle, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Hold hands, Nick in the middle… circle around him.”
“Why are we always centering around Nick? How come he gets to be the star? Is he more of a woman than us?” Sean complained. “Because I happen to think I’m an excellent woman. And I’ll definitely look better in a skirt.”
“Just dance and quit your whining,” I answered. Mia and Stacie barely staved off the giggles. Sean was going to be ticked at me tomorrow when I was in my uniform and he was in drag, dancing around like he was in love with me. But it’d be totally worth it.
An hour later, we wrapped it up. “I think this is as good as it gets,” I said.
Stacie wrinkled her nose. “I think you’re right.”
Mia walked over to Sean and gave him a hug from the side. “Don’t listen to those two. You guys look good.”
Sean smiled down at her. “Marry me?”
Mia laughed. “I’ll consider it.” She glanced at me quickly, then back at him. “For now, I’m keeping my options open.”
“That’s not a no,” Sean chirped.
“I’m beat. Mia, are you ready to go?” Stacie asked.
“Nick can take me home,” Mia replied casually. I’d taken her home every day this week, and to my knowledge, Stacie hadn’t noticed until now. She gave Mia an inquisitive look. Mia brushed it off. “We found out that he lives really close to me, that’s all. If I go home with him, you won’t have to go so far out of your way.”
Stacie shrugged. “Cool.”
“You can take me home…” Sean suggested.
She looked him over. “All right. Let’s go, Mr. Saturday Night Fever.” Stacie slung her bag over her shoulder and headed for the door.
In the parking lot, we split ways and I walked ahead to open Mia’s door. “You shouldn’t do that,” Mia chided. “Stacie might be watching.”
I gave her a dry look. “I’d open your door if you weren’t my girlfriend.” I peeked over my shoulder, then said, “But I wouldn’t do this…” I placed a quick kiss on her cheek.
“Nick!” She hopped away hastily.
I chuckled. “Don’t worry. They didn’t see anything.” Mia got in the car, and I walked around to my side. After I backed out, I said, “I’m starting to feel like you’re embarrassed to be seen with me.”
She turned her nose up. “Well, you know how picky I am.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah, really.” She smiled.
“I’m flattered.”
“Take it as you will.” Ten minutes later, I was parked in front of her house. “Can you walk me up?” she asked. “My mom wants to meet you.”
I looked down at my clothes and sniffed under my arm. “I’m not exactly dressed to meet your parents.”
“They won’t care. It’ll be quick. I promise.”
“Okay,” I agreed with reluctance.
We walked to the door, hand in hand. “Mom, Dad,” Mia called when we stepped in. “I brought someone to meet you.”
An older, almost as beautiful version of Mia walked through the door. She was drying her hands on a dish towel. “You must be Nick.” She smiled warmly and held out her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. Mia’s told me some wonderful things.”
I chuckled nervously. I’d had girlfriends before but none serious enough to warrant a meet the parents situation. “I try not to give her reasons to speak poorly of me.” What the crap? I probably sounded like a kiss-up. “And it’s nice to meet you, too, Mrs. Ashlock.” I shook her hand.
Mia’s dad rounded the corner from the kitchen. “Hello, Nick. We’ve been asking Mia for an introduction all week. It’s a pleasure.”
“Thanks, Mr. Ashlock, sir.” I shook his hand, too.
He pushed his glasses up on his nose. I was surprised by how nerdy he seemed, given the fact that Mia’s mom looked like a supermodel. “Take it easy on the sir stuff. That’s what I call my boss, and he’s kind of disagreeable. Wouldn’t want to feel like I was him.”
“I totally understand. I’ve got a couple disagreeable bosses myself.” I nudged my head toward Mia, and he laughed.
“I hope she’s not being too hard on you.”
“Nah, that’s more Stacie’s department.”
Mr. Ashlock laughed again, nodding in agreement. “I fear for the corporate world when Stacie graduates from college.”
Mia’s mom fidgeted. “Goodness, where are our manners? Would you like to sit down?” She gestured toward the living room. “Something to drink?”
“I appreciate the offer, but I better not. I’m pretty gross from practice, and I need to get home and shower. I’ve still got homework, too. I’d love to come another time, though.”
I didn’t realize I was still holding Mia’s hand until her mom peered down. “Hopefully, we’ll have lots of time to visit,” she said.
“I’m sure we will.” I looked at Mia and smiled. I was such a goner, it was pathetic.
“Thanks for stopping by, Nick.” Mia’s dad put his hand on his wife’s shoulder and patted it. “Let’s give the kids a second to say good-bye.” He winked at me and ushered Mrs. Ashlock away.
“I do believe your father just gave me permission to kiss you good night.” I raised my eyebrows up and down before planting one on her right there in the foyer.
She blushed. “Don’t get too excited. When he said a second, he literally meant a second.” Mia shooed me out, leaving the door open behind us. But she tugged on my shirt before I got too far and wrapped her arms around me. “My parents never gave Cole and me much alone time. A lady always protects her virtue.” She mimicked her mom. “They trust me, but I don’t think they trusted him or even liked him all that much.”
“Cole probably hated that.” I smirked at the thought of him trying to get handsy and being shut down by Mia’s dad.
Mia laughed. “It drove him crazy. We rarely hung out at my house for that reason.”
My eyebrows shot up, and my jaw dropped. I was struck by insane jealousy and flashed her a look of horror. “What did you guys do in your free time?”
Her blush had started to fade, but at my comment she turned red as a tomato. “Not that!” She gasped. “I’m a lady, remember? I meant that we never stayed because he knew they didn’t like him. I can already tell they like you better.”
I puffed out my chest in pride. “Good. And for the record, I have no problem with your parents invading our privacy. Of course, I have no problem kissing you in front of them, either.”
Her face screwed up. “That’s weird.”
“I’m eighteen, and you’re close enough. That’s what grown-ups do. Plus, someday when we’re married, and we have kids…I mean, they had you, so they do know how babies are made.”
She got impossibly redder. “I can’t believe you just said that!” She pushed me down the stairs, and I roared with laughter. “Get out of here,” she grumbled.
“Is that a no on the marriage proposal, then?” I asked, walking backward toward my car.
“Ask again when you have a ring.” She giggled. “I did promise Sean I’d keep my options open.” I loved hearing her giggle. With some girls it was annoying, but when Mia did it, she was freaking adorable. I’d totally marry her someday. Or as soon as we graduated. Or now.
“Good thing I’m going shopping for one in the morning.”
She folded her arms and jutted a hip out. “During first hour? Where are you going to get it, the cafeteria? Oh, wait. I heard Marcus Gentry sells random—possibly stolen—contraband out of his locker. Maybe he can hook you up with a deal.”
I pursed my lips. “Okay, after school.”
Mia grinned, shook her head, and went inside. “Good night, Nick.” She shut the door. I was so far in la-la land I barely remembered getting home.
I met her before class the next morning and pulled her into the janitor’s closet so I could steal a kiss. Then we left a minute apart so we could meet up at her locker without rousing suspicion. At lunch we sat on opposite sides of the table because it was too hard for me not to hold her hand. We played footsie the entire time, though.
The pep rally was taking place in sixth hour. Performers were excused from class early to change. Mia and Stacie met up with us to hand out costumes. “Please don’t rip these doing something stupid,” Stacie warned. “We bought some XXL uniforms a few years ago since football players generally can’t fit into ours. They’re super expensive, so if you break it, you buy it.” Her glare was stern. The guys hurried to the locker room in fear.
“Do you want to get the music set up?” Mia asked Stacie.
“Okay. You and Nick stay here in case they need help.”
“Aye, aye, Captain.” I saluted her. She started toward the gym and I scooted toward Mia, intending to make the most of our two seconds alone. Stacie spun around and snapped her fingers. I jumped away, hoping I hadn’t been caught. “And please make sure they come out with everything covered.” If she’d seen me trying to grab Mia’s hand, she didn’t let on.
Once Stacie was gone for sure, I leaned Mia against the wall of lockers. “I really hate hiding,” I complained while nipping at her lips. The locker room door swung open, and I stepped away from her again. This really sucked.
“I know,” she mouthed with a sad face.
Sean strode into the hall. “What do you think?” he asked, spinning in a circle. “My butt looks good, right?”
Mia chuckled. “I hate to say it, but you really do pull off the skirt. Your butt looks awesome. Why do guys always have such long, lean legs? It’s so unfair.”
Sean looked down and frowned. “I should have shaved, huh?”
I snorted. “Too far, man.”
Jeremy came out next, pulling on his Spanx. “How do you guys handle these things?”
Will followed, wincing. “I’ve had them on for thirty seconds, and I’m already chafing.”
“Yeah,” Danny added. “I’ve got a new respect for girls. The things you go through to look hot. I’m so glad I’m a guy.”
Jeremy, Will, and Danny hadn’t necessarily jumped at the chance to be in the skit. Like Stacie said, there were only so many football players that could fit in a cheer skirt. It took a lot of begging to get their participation.
Mia laughed and pulled out her phone. “I love it! Scoot together so I can get a picture.” Jeremy shook his head violently while Sean struck a pose. I snickered. Clearly, Sean hadn’t taken that much convincing. Okay, any convincing. “Come on. Be a good sport,” she begged.
“Fine.” Jeremy grumbled. The four of them stood in a line.
“Wait,” Mia said. “Nick, hop in the middle. We can’t forget our only guy.”
“Gladly,” I replied with a smirk. Minus Sean, the other three had done their fair share of teasing me when I crossed over.
It finally dawned on Sean that I was still in pants. “Hey? Where’s your skirt?”
I was already in my cheer garb because it was game day. “We perform first. I’ll go change while the athletic director is talking,” I lied smoothly.
“Oh, okay,” he responded, easily accepting my excuse. Mia gave me a sly look.
“Hurry up, Nick,” she urged. “We need to get in the gym.”
I slung my arms around the guys’ shoulders. “Who’s the girly one now?” I asked with satisfaction. “Smile big, ladies.”
Retribution was a magnificent thing.
The bleachers filled up quickly after the bell rang, signaling the end of fifth period. The cheer team ushered in the football players and called a few cheers to get the crowd hyped. Sean and the guys had slipped on their jerseys and some tear-away pants, hoping to make the reveal more theatrical. Very few people knew which players were performing.
&nb
sp; After a rowdy welcome, the athletic director started recognizing all the seniors. When he announced Cole’s name, the crowd got louder. Cole took a bow and waved at everyone, loving the attention. I didn’t expect any recognition or kudos, since I was a quitter and all. I was totally surprised when Mr. Jenkins called me out at the very end.
“And let’s not forget Nick Moody, who stepped up to bring us a win against Atherton last week. He’ll be leading the charge tonight, so everyone show him some love.”
The student body erupted with whistles and cheers. It was louder than they’d been for Cole, and I tried not to be smug. He’d get his glory at the state championship. He could stand to give up the pedestal for a couple measly weeks. The AD signaled for me to step out. I waved quickly and got back in formation.
While Mr. Jenkins introduced the other fall sports teams and gave an inspirational speech, I ran out to change. I’d just come back when I heard him say, “And now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for.”
Set to whooping and hollering, Sean and the guys stepped down from the risers where the whole football team was sitting. Sean counted, and when they hit three, the four of them grabbed their waistbands and tore their warm-ups off. The sweatshirts came next, and when the music started, I strutted out from behind the risers in my football uniform.
“What the!? You freaking dillweed!” Sean flipped out. I laughed hysterically, but not as much as the crowd. “You’re so dead,” he threatened. “I will get even. And not just toilet paper. You better keep an eye on your six, ’cause you’re going down.”
“Just own it, dude,” I replied and smacked his butt. The audience roared.
Sean glared daggers at me as he held his pom-poms out. “You’re lucky I’m a showman.” He huffed. The music started, and he put on a huge smile. You’d never assume he was mad at me, the way he hammed it up. He didn’t know it yet, but I was going to recruit him for cheer during basketball season.
One of the Girls (Friendzone #1) Page 21